Nov 23, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA;UCF Knights quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. (8) runs with the ball as South Florida Bulls linebacker Greg Reaves (4) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
UCF quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. suffered a broken ankle in non-football related activity this week and will miss fall camp, coach Josh Heupel said Wednesday.
“We hope Darriel has a speedy recovery, but we are excited about the talent we have in the quarterback room to start the season,” Heupel said in a statement.
Mack battled with Notre Dame graduate transfer Brandon Wimbush and others through spring practice, with the competition expected to continue in camp. There was no announced timetable for Mack’s return.
He stepped in late last season when starter McKenzie Milton went down with a gruesome injury to his right leg that required several surgeries and nearly resulted in amputation. Milton is expected to sit out all of the 2019 season.
Mack, a sophomore, completed 51 of 100 passes for 619 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. He also ran 69 times for 337 yards and six scores. Mack led the team to a 2-1 record in his three starts, with a 40-32 loss to LSU in the Fiesta Bowl snapping the Knights’ 25-game winning streak.
Wimbush joined the team in January. He started 12 games for Notre Dame in 2017 but lost his starting job to Ian Book after the third game of last season. Redshirt freshman Quadry Jones and true freshman Dylan Gabriel will also compete in camp for playing time.
UCF starts the season Aug. 29 against Florida A&M.
